Brazil could set a record for cattle slaughter in 2025

Cattle slaughter in Brazil in 2025 could reach a record 42.3 million head, according to preliminary data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), cited by Reuters. In the fourth quarter, the figure increased by 13.1% compared to the same period in 2024.

Brazil has become the world’s leading beef producer, overtaking the United States. The main driver is strong demand from China, Reuters reports.

In January 2026 alone, Brazil shipped $650 million worth of beef to China. According to government statistics, this is almost 45% more than the previous year.

In the first month of 2026 alone, the country exported 232,000 tons of fresh beef, worth $1.3 billion. China accounted for approximately 50% of these supplies, in both monetary and physical terms.

China’s Restrictions

Meanwhile, Beijing has imposed three-year annual import quotas for suppliers. Imports above the established limit will be subject to a 55% tariff.

In 2026, 1.106 million tons of Brazilian beef will be exempt from additional duties. This equates to approximately 92,000 tons per month. By comparison, in 2025, average monthly shipments reached almost 140,000 tons.

In response, the Brazilian government is developing a mechanism for distributing quotas proportional to each company’s export volume to China last year. Supporters of the initiative believe this will prevent price spikes, Reuters reports. Critics call the mechanism unprecedented interference in food exports.

Tags: cattle, Brazil